The subject of the e-mail informing us that it would be best for everyone to try and find other work was "Merry Christmas." To be precise it was "Re: Merry Christmas." One of the pilots started an e-mail thread in order to wish his coworkers happy holidays and to make sure we had his new address, and it was on that continuing thread that the chief pilot regretted to inform us that we might not being going back to work. I guess I wasn't sheltered from all the repercussions of those problems they were discussing. In aviation there are never enough lifeboats. It's one big log flume ride. There's a bit of wait and see going on now.
Experience has taught me that (a) it could be worse, (b) it's important to get the chief pilot's permanent contact information and (c) I have the best chance of getting a job through someone I know. Hey, that contact list I've been building, purely out of the desire to keep track of my friends? I guess I'd better use it. Anyone need a pilot?
I haul my browser over to the AvCanada job forum to see what's on offer. I'm qualified for positions in three recent ads. Three different provinces. I have contacts at two of them. I've worked in two of them before. The most appealing is the one in the province where I've never been based. When in doubt, go for the job that will get you a new licence plate for your collection?
I was going to go grocery shopping tomorrow morning, but instead I'll be making phone calls and sending out résumés. It's not a bad climate in which to do so. And may this cartoon exemplify the confidence (although not the disquieting arrogance) with which I shall do so.
22 comments:
Again! Good luck.
I am praying for blessings and peace throughout this transition.
All the best with the hunt.
RIFfed twice in the last 5 years, but landed on my feet. I wish you the same good fortune.
As a long time reader I felt the need to post for the first time after this entry. I thoroughly enjoy your blog and wanted to wish you the best of luck during your time of transition.
Fingers and toes crossed that you'll find a great job!
Unfortunate timing, and your current job seemed a very good fit for your adventurous personality. Good luck with the hunt. I'm hoping this time you get your dream job.
Say it isn't so, Aviatrix! (Am I right that the letter didn't rule out the possibility that some employees would keep their jobs?)
It wouldn't have killed the chief pilot to put a fresh new subject line on that email.
It's probably more of an everyone works or no one does situation, especially as the CP left, and it's still somewhat up in the air. That makes it hard to do really serious jobhunting. But I should.
"In aviation there are never enough lifeboats." That pretty well sums it up perfectly. Excellent observation!
Not being in tune with the job market up north of the border, perhaps I don't understand nec Timide's comment.
While things aren't exactly screaming along down in the lower 48, I know a number of younger CFIs that are interviewing with the Regionals right now. And that's something that hasn't been happening to any large degree in recent memory...
I have faith that you'll land on your both mains...
Trix,
Try applying for the CP's job that has been vacated. Stretch a little. You never know.
Awww... You sounded happy telling stories about your recent gig. Maybe it's not recent, after all. Maybe something else will turn out to be even better. Optimists that we are...
Meanwhile, may I encourage you kill some time watching an awesome music video obviously made from educational black-and-white footage?
Hope you'll make it off the runway soon!
I've been following your blog for more than a year now and it really makes me sad to hear the bad news. For whatever it is worth I pray for you and hope things have gotten bad only to get a lot better :)
Actually, if there were enough life boats, our Band of Brothers would likely try to deflate any other life boat within their reach, so as to decrease competition for jobs.
Anyway, may the force be with you!
When I last checked the ACPA site had an article about the great multitudes of pilots who will soon be needed to meet upcoming demand. Go get 'em!
Well you know you could ask for donations as another writer has, or you could accept ads. As many of us as read at your blog you could make a tidy sum. And of course you could write a book. All of this while looking for next job
best of luck whatever you do.
Selfishly Keep blogging. My life would be poorer if you quit
I'm really sorry to hear this. But I'm sure that with the right combination for luck and hard work, you'll find a great new job soon.
I am certain there will be a huge call for pilots with your qualifications. Actually I'm pretty certain you're the only one in North America with your qualifications - can idenfity and compare the taste of foodstuffs with the taste of tarantula ass.
Damn. That's a real pain. I really hope something comes along very soon.
All good luck. I wish you resilience, since looking for a spot can really take it out of you.
And I second, you could take ads just to support this site. I don't think folks would mind much. Comics Curmudgeon does -- and the worst that's happened is the funny comments on that babe advertising Christian Singles. Just think what you could get on the posts tagged "boobs".
Best Wishes etc. conveyed in email... just didn't want others to think I was ignoring this unsettling news.
With luck, this will be just a short uncertain patch. We're all pulling for you.
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